Got a text from the Bike Beast that he was an hour away from me, I was looking to do an easy ride but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to ride with the Bike Beast, so I got the bike and myself ready as quick as I could. He sent me his 1/2 way ride stats and he was flying and I definitely didn't want to mess up his average pace. Starting out I was really slow 16 mph and struggling, I got it up to 18 after 2 miles but wasn't feeling strong yet, I get to the meeting spot but he wasn't there yet and I didn't see him past the point so I headed towards the direction he would be coming, I met up with him at about my 5 mile mark. It was now time to get serious. He initially slows upon passing me then the pace was off to the races. I definitely wasn't ready to push that fast my breathing was not smooth. I worked on getting it to calm down but it is kind of hard when you are hold a sustained 60-70 watts over you FTP after 2 miles I settled down as did the watts, I was now holding about 35 watts over FTP to about 11 miles. The next 11 miles the pace slowed some as did the wattage output to about 200-230 watts. I made sure I stayed tight on the wheel not giving it much daylight, only a few times did I get caught slacking or getting a drink did I loose the wheel. but was able to closed it quickly. I was feeling good thru the first 22 miles that I rode with the Bike Beast, thinking The next 22 miles back would be easy with a tailwind. I had averaged 20.5 mph even with the slow first 5 miles for 20 miles. Now I was interested what my average would be the next 20 miles since I would be solo? Well the next 5 miles on the solo return was going well maintain 20-21.5 mph except for a hill in the middle. At the 5 mile mark I made a right turn onto the road to WaWa Rte 70/539 west bound I seen 4 riders going the opposite direction just before the turn and they all were looking good! I make the turn and to my surprise I was smacked in the face with a headwind and a long climb about 2% That little climb and wind kicked my butt, I wasn't giving up yet. I worked hard, very hard to maintain my speed and watts.I kept hoping that the wind would stop. After 2 more not steep climbs my average had drop to just below 20 mph. I was thinking of just complete the ride as a recovery and discarded that thought. My lower back began to hurt as it did yesterday and to the same intensity, so I know it may not be bike fit but a matter of strength and fitness. I get about 2 miles from the WaWa and was able to get my composure back so I was able to work on getting my average back up over 20 mph for 40 miles. Finally, get to Rte 70 heading home still into a headwind knowing there would no help, I had to stay disciplined and maintain my speed on the flats and climbs on Rte 70 for 8.5 miles until the turn off. This was not as easy as I thought it would be, it took the entire 8..5 miles to get my average over 20 mph. I was so happy to bring it back up but still had 4 miles to go. I wanted to maintain my speed but the road for a complete mile is so bumpy and rough being such is very draining! Once I got back on smoother roads I tried to get my speed back up but as soon as I did I was back on rough road again all the way home. At least I was able to keep it strong and had a lot still left in the tank..